When I turn on my Nikon Coolpix I receive a "Lens Error" message and the lens doesn't open and extend out

Answers :

This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include "E18 lens error", or "lens error, restart camera". Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.\012

The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many cameras, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.\012

A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.\012

Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.\012

The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:\012

Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.\012

Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.\012

Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particals that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.\012

Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots.\012

Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in "no heat" setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one).\012

Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following two fixes.\012

Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.\012

Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). While doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera.

Tips for a great answer:

- Provide details, support with references or personal experience .
- If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box .
- It's 100% free, no registration required.

Suggested Questions/Answers :

When I turn on my Nikon Coolpix I receive a "Lens Error" message and the lens doesn't open and extend out

Fixing a Lens Error on a Digital Camera\012\012This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digi ...
Nikon Digital Cameras

Lens error message on nikon coolpix L18
I purchased my Nikon L18 Cool Pix camera last September ('08). Last week when I turned it on, the lens extended fully, then retracted fully as I got a "lens error" message.'' PLEASE HELP! I don't want to replace this camera so soon.

Hi,When system control does not get lens initialize signal while extending it, then it try again by folding it and extending and still no required initialize signal then generate error and stop further functions.Please remove batter ...
Nikon COOLPIX L18 Digital Camera

Lens error When I turn on my Nikon Coolpix 2200, the lens does not open and a "lens error" message comes up on the screen. This problem has happened before and after replacing the batteries or just waiting a few days it would work properly. Now I cannot make it work at all.
lens error comes on opening,,,dont know what to do...

From the manual: "Turn camera off and then on again. If error persists, contact retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative." ...
Nikon COOLPIX L18 Digital Camera

I suspect that I have sand in the lens of my Nikon Coolpix 3200 model as it is dieplaying the 'Lens Error' message after coming back from a beach. The camera opens the lens and after s few seconds the lens closes and displays the 'Lens Error' message. Do you know if this is repairable?

Take it to a Nikon-authorized service representative and ask him/her whether its repairable. ...
Nikon Digital Cameras

Lens error Hello, my son has a Nikon Coolpix L11 camera. Today he took it to school for the last day of class to get pictures of his friend. He says that when he took the camera out of his pocket, he noticed that the lens was half extended and open. When he turns the camera on, the lens assemply does nothing and the lcd displays a lens error. We have attempted removing the batteries and even trying fresh ones, but to no avail. I'm leary to open the camera without knowing first what I need to

HelloThe problem is that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the \012probability is that you will have to get it fixed by a professional. ...
Nikon Coolpix L11 Digital Camera

Hi,
I have a problem with my nikon coolpix S220....
When i open my coolpix it doesnt focus and the len is just coming back and forth and suddenly it prompt error on len or lens error..
Please help i really need this camera
Thank you so much

Sir I have solved the problem of lense error for my Nikon coolpix l 14 .There is a problem in one of the main gear which i replaced. after that my cameraworking so smoothly. ...
Nikon Digital Cameras

Lens error When I turn on my Nikon Coolpix 2200, the lens does not open and a "lens error" message comes up on the screen. This problem has happened before and after replacing the batteries or just waiting a few days it would work properly. Now I cannot make it work at all.
kinda dropeed it and now the lens is SLIGHTLY crooked...can i fix it myself?

Nikon Coolpix s220...Lens Error. Camera was dropped from like 5 inches. Immediately received the error message screen. The lens is stuck all the way out...I have tried to do some of the above and while twisting the lens slightly got it to take pictures again, I think it may have done more damage because its still makes a buzzing noise when I turn it on and there is black on a portion of the screen like the cover is partially stuck (inside the camera).

I also have a nikon coolpix s3000......i also have the lens error problem....mine turns on extends out, opens the shutters, than retracts, closes, and than the lens error shows up......
i have taken battery out, blown air into the shutters, and held the extention out, but still shows error
what causes this, or what r my options to correct......

My Nikon P5000 Coolpix has a lens problem. When i power it up I receive an error message on the screen that says LENS ERROR. I can hear the motor start up but it will not engage to project the lens out thus the failure. Can this be fixed?

HelloThe problem is that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the \012probability is that ...
Nikon COOLPIX P5000 Digital Camera

Lens error When I turn on my Nikon Coolpix 2200, the lens does not open and a "lens error" message comes up on the screen. This problem has happened before and after replacing the batteries or just waiting a few days it would work properly. Now I cannot make it work at all.

I had this same problem. It was very frusterating. All i did was kinda gently hit the lens with the palm of my hand and it turned on and did exactly wat i wanted it to do! Work! ...
Nikon Coolpix 2200 Digital Camera

Lens error my Nikon coolpix L6 lens does not extend all the way and lens error message keeps coming on I dropped the camera before this started happening

Nikon coolpix 5000 zoom lens is stuck in extended position when battery died. replacing battery I now get error message: Remove lens cap. but the cap is off- I cant get the lens to retract.

My camera worked fine one day, then it was in my purse. When I went to use it the light was on and the screen said there was a lens error. Everytime I try to turn it on now it makes a grinding noise and refuses to open and then closes completely with the lens error reading For no reason my camera (Nikon coolpix model S210) doesn't want to work with the term "Lens error" and lens won't come out
WELL YESTERDAY MY NIKON COOLPIX s210 DIGITAL CAMERA WAS WORKING PERFECTLY FINE THEM I GOT UP TO TAKE P

\012\012try these:-\012\012\012connect it to pc and on it\012vaccum the barrel of lens\012changing mem. card and batt. for 2min. ...
Nikon Coolpix S210 Digital Camera

My Nikon Coolpix S220 the screen has a message that reads LENS ERROR and the lens will not open

Hi,\015\012 Remove the batteries wait a few minutes. Put fresh batteries back in and turn the camera on.\015\012Secondly give a gentle tap on the sides of the camera and then switch on your camera ,you will not get this error message as ...
Digital Cameras

I get a "lens error" every time I switch my Nikon Coolpix P1 camera on. The lens won't open or extend out.

Try jiggling the lens. Use compressed air to blow out any grit around the lens barrel. If that doesn't do it, you'll need to get the camera serviced. ...
Nikon Digital Cameras

I have a Nikon s220 coolpix and everytime I turn on the camera the lens opens, makes a strange noise and closes - it does this 3 times and then I get a lens error message on the screen. Do you know what is causing this?

Try one of these two fixes, if they dont work for you follow the link below for further troubleshooting.http://camerarepair.blogspo ...
Digital Cameras

I have a Nikon Coolpix L6 camera. When camera is turned on the lens fails to open. Whats up? I get a "Lens Error" message.

LET ME SEE IF I HAVE THIS RIGHT, YOU WANT ME TO PAY YOU $9.99 FOR A SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IF I HAVE ALREADY FIXED MY PROBLEM YOU WANT ME TO TELL YOU HOW I SOLVED. WHAT AM I MISSING HERE?HOW MUCH SHOULD I BE CHARGING YOU FOR THE ...
Digital Cameras

My Nikon Coolpix S5 has a broken lens; it son't fully close/ open. The message displayed on the screen says "Lens cover error". Is it something that can be repaired? How much would it cost to fix it? Thank you!

Hi ,\015\012The lens cover error is because the stepper motor in the camera is unable to open the lens cover. I have a solution posted in doc "nikon s5 s6 lens cover error repair.doc" uploaded on site ...
Nikon Coolpix S3 Digital Camera

When I turn on my Nikon coolpix L20 it doen't open and then gives an error message of "Lens Error" on the back screen. How can I fix this myself? I've already replaced batteries.

HelloThe problem is that the lens has become stuck in the barrel. There are some DIY solutions you could try, but the \012probability is that ...
Nikon COOLPIX L20 Digital Camera

I have a small Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 camera. After fully charging the battery I am all of then sudden getting this error message :"please turn camera off and then on again." When the camer is OFF the lens is extended and open. When I move the camera to ON the lens moves in to the closed position closes, then reopens, extends, tries to focus, is unable to and the error message appears "Please turn camera off and then on again"
This cycle just repeats. The lens is able to extend it is not st

My Nikon Coolpix L12 will power on but won't take a photo. There are no error messages on the screen. The lens will extend and retract. The zoom works. The shutter release button depresses but will not "snap" a photo. The card in the camera is fine and is recognized by camera. Thanks for your help!

Well, seems like a camera failure to me,actually the processor inside the boards is wrong, maybe your product is a failure ones, I think it's better for you find the dealer or service center to solve this problem.But, you can try remove t ...
Nikon COOLPIX L12 Digital Camera

Nikon s51 coolpix "lens error" upon start up
yeah my nikon s51 coolpix camera worked like champ, for about 8 mos, darn thing giving me "lens error" message , wont let me look at pictures nothing!!!!!pisses me off too. piece of **** company because they should do a recall and replace every single camera that has this problem. thanks norcal-ron

I had the error and i just banged the left side of the camera against my palm a few times and turned it back on. It worked for me maybe it will work for you ...
Nikon Coolpix S51c Digital Camera

I have a Nikon Coolpix 2000 and the zoom has recently stopped working. When I try to zoom, the lens at the front extends a little and then stops and an error message appears on the screen. To my knowledge the camera has not been knocked

I have a Nikon Coolpix L14 and all of a sudden, when I turn it on, the lens moves in and out while making a strange noise until a "Lens Error" message comes on the screen. I tried replacing the batteries, turning it off and on, taking out the memory card, and cleaning the lens. The first time I replaced the batteries, it worked...until the next time I used it and the screen was completely blurred. Then, I had the original problem with the "Lens Error" message. I really don't think it is a conde

Your problem may be due to corrosion on the battery contacts inside the camera\015\012which can prevent the full power of the batteries from flowing into the\015\012camera. Try this free fix before you do anything else: remove the batteries and wip ...
Nikon Coolpix L14 Digital Camera

Start your question with What, Why, How, When, etc. and end with a "?"